Schedule of Events
CureFest for Childhood Cancer Weekend will be held in Washington, DC on September 19 - 21, 2025. Here are some of the features of CureFest. Note: All activities and events are subject to change or cancellation
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Friday, September 19
CLIMB THE HILL Youth Advocacy Day
Children and young adults will visit Congressional offices in groups led by a Youth Leader.
This is an all-day event.
Hosted by Kids V Cancer
Questions? Contact Jenn@kidsvcancer.org
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Skivolo’s World Series Premiere
You're Invited: A Red Carpet Premiere Awaits!
Kick off CureFest weekend with an unFURgettable sneak peek: the official debut of the animated series Skivolo’s World— Join Skivolo, our red panda friend, as he navigates his own journey with a childhood cancer diagnosis. As he and his family learn how to cope with their new normal, Skivolo discovers that he isn’t alone in his experiences. This family-friendly event will be an exciting and special occasion for kids and parents alike, filled with laughs and new friends! Make your little one feel like a star – walk the red carpet, take photos, receive fun giveaways and snacks, and for the first time at CureFest... meet our special hosts, Devon Still (former NFL player and childhood cancer advocate) and his daughter Leah (a neuroblastoma survivor) as you watch Skivolo take the big screen!
Join us for an evening of celebration and community on Friday, September 19 from 4:00 to 5:30 pm at Freedom Plaza!
Hosted by United Therapeutics Oncology
Family Welcome Night
An informal gathering for the child of cancer community, as a way to kick off the weekend. The event features a DJ, a sign making station for the Rally to the Capitol which takes place on Saturday, kids activities, bereavement support and more.
4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Freedom Plaza
Hosted by CureFest
The CureFest Collective
Social event exclusively for fighters, survivors and siblings, ages 13 - 29 years old, to connect with each other and to share their stories and experiences.
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This year's outing is a sunset dinner cruise on the Potomac River
6:00 pm to 10:00 pm at Freedom Plaza and Potomac River
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Hosted by CureFest
For More Details and to Register
Saturday, September 20
State of Sarcoma
Engage with researchers and families fighting to make a difference for kids battling sarcomas. This presentation and Q&A is for families and friends who have been affected by pediatric sarcomas of all types.
Held in the Penn Ave Terrace inside the JW Marriott Hotel
9:00 am - 10:30 am with Q&A afterwards until lunch time
RSVP here
Hosted by Rhabdo Coalition
Questions? Contact Nick Mracek of Mighty Millie Foundation at nick@mightymillie.org.
Childhood Cancer Fighter Connection
A wellness workshop designed specifically for childhood cancer fighters who are in active treatment. This engaging session offers children and teens a chance to connect with peers who understand their unique experience, participate in meaningful activities
that support healthy coping and self-expression, and enjoy time in a space designed just for them.
For ages 5-16
9:00 am to 10:30 am inside the JW Marriott Hotel
Hosted by Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation, part of "Thrive"initiative
For More Details and to Register
Childhood Cancer Survivor Connection
A wellness workshop designed specifically for survivors of childhood cancer. This engaging session offers children and teens a chance to connect with peers who
understand their unique experience, participate in meaningful activities that support healthy coping and self-expression, and enjoy time in a space designed just for them.
For ages 5-16
9:00 am to 10:30 am inside the JW Marriott Hotel
Hosted by Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation, part of "Thrive"initiative
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CureFest Tribute Wall Display
Each year, CureFest features tribute walls honoring childhood cancer fighter, survivors and angels.
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The Tribute Walls will be on display at Freedom Plaza from Friday, September 19 at 4:00 pm to Saturday, September 20 at 9:00 pm.
Hosted by CureFest
Fighter/Survivor Sibling Connection
​A wellness workshop designed specifically for siblings of childhood cancer fighters or
survivors. This engaging session offers children and teens a chance to connect with
peers who understand their unique experience, participate in meaningful activities that
support healthy coping and self-expression, and enjoy time in a space designed just for
them.
For ages 5-16
9:00 am to 10:30 am inside the JW Marriott Hotel
Hosted by Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation, part of "Thrive" initiative
Hosted by Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation, part of "Thrive" initiative
Bereaved Sibling Workshop
For siblings of a child lost to cancer, we invite them to join other bereaved siblings for a special workshop focused on sharing and understanding. Led by a Pediatric Oncology RN experienced in helping children manage grief, this session offers age-appropriate activities and a safe space for support and understanding.
For ages 5 - 16
Held inside the JW Marriott Hotel.
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Session 1: 9:00 - 10:30 am
Session 2: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Session 3: 1:30 - 3:00 pm
Hosted by 1Voice Foundation and Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation
Pre-registration is required. Spots are limited.
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Bereaved Dad Support
If you lost your child to childhood cancer, we invite you to join other bereaved fathers for a supportive, peer-led gathering focused on shared experiences and understanding. Facilitated by 1Voice Foundation, this session provides a secure environment for camaraderie and mutual respect and strength.
Held inside the JW Marriott Hotel.
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Session 1: 9:00 - 10:30 am
Session 2: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Session 3: 1:30 - 3:00 pm
Hosted by 1Voice Foundation and Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation
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Pre-registration is required. Spots are limited.
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Bereaved Mom Support
If you lost your child to childhood cancer, we invite you to join other bereaved mothers for a compassionate, peer-supported gathering dedicated to sharing and healing together. Facilitated by 1Voice Foundation, this session offers a space for bonding and fellowship.
Held inside the JW Marriott Hotel.
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Session 1: 9:00 - 10:30 am
Session 2: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Session 3: 1:30 - 3:00 pm
Pre-registration is required. Spots are limited.
Hosted by 1Voice Foundation and Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation
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For Siblings, By Siblings
A wellness session specifically for siblings of childhood cancer fighters, survivors and angels. The session will give siblings an opportunity to connect with one another, share resources, and receive peer support through discussions and activities.
For ages 17 – 29
Held inside the JW Marriott Hotel.
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Session 1: 9:00 - 10:30 am
Session 2: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Session 3: 1:30 - 3:00 pm
Hosted by Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation, part of "Thrive" initiative
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Pre-registration is required. Spots are limited.
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Faith and Loss
A session lead by Pastor Alan Disbrow - Bereaved Dad and Grandfather
Held inside the JW Marriott Hotel.
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Session 1: 9:00 - 10:30 am
Session 2: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Session 3: 1:30 - 3:00 pm
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Hosted by Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation
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Pre-registration is required. Spots are limited.
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In Your 20s: Fighter/Survivor Connection
A wellness session specifically for young adult childhood cancer fighters and survivors, which will give folks an opportunity to connect with one another, share resources, and receive peer support through discussions and activities.
For ages 20 – 29
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11:00 am to 12:30 pm inside the JW Marriott Hotel.
Hosted by Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation, part of "Thrive" initiative
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Pre-registration is required. Spots are limited.
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Rally to the Capitol
Family-friendly awareness and advocacy rally to the United States Capitol. The event begins with speeches near the Smithsonian Castle and Carousel. Participants then march, as a group, toward the Capitol.
1:00 pm at the Smithsonian Carousel
Hosted by CureFest and the Rally Foundation
Meet and Greet
​Informal gathering of childhood cancer families and advocates. The event features sponsor tents, foundation tables, bereavement support, kids activities, face painting and more.
4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Freedom Plaza
Hosted by CureFest
Night of Golden Lights​
​Speeches and performances by sponsors, members of the childhood cancer community, advocates and the medical community.
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Freedom Plaza
Hosted by CureFest
Candlelight Vigil
​A powerful vigil honoring individuals and families impacted by childhood cancer.
9:00 pm to 9:30 pm at Freedom Plaza
Hosted by CureFest
Sunday, September 21
Hope and Healing Worship Service
Music by Sydney Sherwood and a Message of Hope from Pastor Alan Disbrow.
9:00 am – 10:00 am inside the JW Marriott
No RSVP necessary.
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Hosted by Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation
Festival
Speeches, musical performances, and dance tributes. On site, there is also bereavement support as well as kids activities with face painting, crafts and games.
11:00 am – 12:30 pm at the Sylvan Theater, an outdoor amphitheater, near the Washington Monument
Hosted by CureFest
Childhood Cancer Shoe Memorial Ceremony
12:30 pm on the Washington Monument grounds
Hosted by CureFest and the 1Voice Foundation
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Additional Components
One Voice Walks (Virtual)​
Unable to attend CureFest in Washington, DC? Host your own One Voice walk in your community instead. Whether it's just you or dozens of families, every walk makes a difference. Custom banners featuring your group, organization, or community name are available for purchase at cost.
CureFest LiveStream
CureFest program with speakers and performers will be streamed on September 20 and 21 prior to the One Voice community walks.
CureFest Beads and Medals
Honor beads will be provided to in-person participants. Medals will be presented to all survivors, fighters, and siblings in attendance. Virtual participants will have the opportunity to purchase honor beads and medals for survivors, fighters, siblings, parents and advocates.